Group Members: Ricky Birnbaum, Aynslie D'Avanzo, Krithi Nathan, Kevin Zhang
Once the centre of the Islamic Empire, the region now known as The Syrian Arab Republic, has seen the endurance of many cultures and ethnicities. Kurds, Assyrians, Armenians, Christians, Pruze, Alawite, Shias, and Arab Sunnis are a few who have influenced the modern culture and society of Syria. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Syria became a French colony until 1946, when a bloodless military coup brought the Baath Party political power. It is still in power today. Until 2005, with the United Nation’s urging after the assassination of Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, Syria had political and military power in Lebanon. Tension with Turkey arose due to accusations of Syria hosting terrorist groups, and military action from the former was threatened. The Baath Party’s anti-Israeli policy has caused difficulties in modern relations, but the two countries are currently working on peace, with Turkey mediating. Joining forces such as defense ties have kept Iran-Syria relations positive. The country also agreed to return diplomatic relations with Iraq. The United States has restricted trade with Syria, considering it a pro-terrorist country. Furthering the poor relations were Syria’s interference in Lebanon and possibly supplying Iraq with weapons during the war. Syria did, however, vote for the war in the United Nations meetings, despite criticizing US war plans and the economic benefit it gains from Iraq. Syria also claims the US to be “one-sided in favor of Israel”.
Summary~Aynslie
National Flag of The Syrian Arab Republic
Syria in the Ottoman Empire
Current map of the country of Syria
Map of Syria when it was a French Mandate
Syria Physical Map
Flag, national anthem, and 4 maps~Krithi
Timeline
In 1918, the 400 years of Ottoman rule of Syria came to an end. This was due to the Arab troops that fought against the Ottomans, and the Arab troops also got help from the British.
In 1920 (June), by putting Syria-Lebanon under a French mandate, and by placing British in control over Palestine, the San Remo conference lead to the spliting up of Feisal's newly-created Arab kingdom.
In 1925-1926,
Damascas, the Capital of Syria, was under attack from the French. The reason behind this bombardment on Damascas was that Syrian nationalism was strongly against the French rule
In 1928, A French High Commissioner rejects proposals made for a Constitution of Syria. This angers the citizens of Syria because the Constitution was made by the constituent assembly, which had been elected upon by the citizens. the citizens soon start nationalist protests.
In 1958 (February), Syria joins the United Arab Republic.
In 1961, In Damascus the Syrian Army Officer's siege power, because of all the discontent with Egyptian domination over the United Arab Republic.
In 1967 during the Six Day War, Israel gains control of the Golan heights, and also end up destroying much of the Syrian air force.
In 1991 in the city of Madrid, the Middle East peace conference is held. Syria participates in this, and talks with Israel were held in this conference.
In 2001 (November), many claim that the number of political prisoners were in the hundreds.
In 2011, Syrian President Assad is asked to step down by President Obama and allies. Also, uprisings are exceeding a death toll of 5,000 lives.
Timeline~Ricky
Videos of the protests going on in Syria
Joe Biden, the United States Vice President, visits Turkey while many Syrians are protesting against President Assad of Syria in a civil war. Turkey is a United States ally, and is in the Middle East. Some army vehicles were even destroyed in the violence from the civil war. The death toll had already reached 1,000 when this video was taken, and in 2011 it had reached 5,000 lives.
1st video and summary ~Ricky 2nd video~Krithi
Political Cartoons
This political cartoon is showing the current president of Syria, Bashar-al-Assad dipping a man representing the persecution of Syrians in a cup of blood showing the bloodshed and violence that is happening in the Syrian protests now
This political cartoon is showing Assad being inflated by his regime and Obama trying to pop Assad and destroy his reign with a pin but to many failed attempts as there are wasted pins on the floor.
2 Cartoons and captions~Krithi
Major Political Figures:
Bashar al-Assad
President Bashar al-Assad is the current leader of Syria, although unpopular. Revolts against his rule, lead by groups such as the Free Syrian Army, have caused at least 6,000 deaths in the past 11 months. Bashar al-Assad was not the original successor to his father, Hafez al-Assad, but his brother Basil, who died in an accident in 1994, was. He is said to be much less autocratic than his father and brother
Bashar-al-Assad
Hafez-al-Assad, Bashar's father
Farouk al-Sharaa
Sharaa served as the minister of foreign affairs from 1984 until 2006, when he assumed the Vice Presidency. He is regarded as one of the "old guards" of the Assad regime, actively attempting to reconcile with Israel. Despite no longer being the foreign minister he still regularly engages in high-profile international travel.
Farouk -al-Sharaa
20th Century Issues in Syria (pre 1945 and post-1945)
Syria fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1516 when the British in Egypt promised the Arabs independence if they aided them in World War I. The Arabs revolted in 1916 with the help of the British and entered Damascus, the capital of Syria. On May 6, 1916, many Syrian nationals were hanged in Damascus and Beirut by the Ottomans. These men are remembered to this day by National holidays known as Martyrs' Day. In 1918, Syria becomes an independent kingdom under King Faisal I, son of Sharif Hussein (famous for the Hussein-McMahon Letters) of Mecca. Under the Sykes-Picot Agreement(1916) which was signed between France and Britain, the Middle East after the decline of the Ottoman Empire would be divided into "Spheres of Influence." Syria's independence was short-lived as in 1920, French troops invaded and fought the newly-formed vulnerable Syrian army and disposed of King Faisal I. In 1923, the League of Nations formed after World War I recognized Syria as a French Mandate without consultation from the Syrians. In return, Syrians fought many bloody battles with the French, often resulting in French air-raids over Jabab-el-Arab and Damascus. In 1936, the French-Syrian Treaty was signed which gave Syria partial independence and withdrawal of French troops which was a promise the French didn't follow. During World War II, Syria became a major battle arena between the French troops loyal to the Vichy government(French gov't from 1940-44) allied to Nazi Germany and the French free troops allied with Britain.Syria sided with the Free French as independence was promised to them. French disobeyed their promise and dominated Syrian national politics. This resulted in violent Syrian protests and on May 29, 1945, French troops attack Syrian parliament in Damascus and United Nations demand French withdrawal. On April 17, 1946, the last French soldier leaves Syria and that day is celebrated as Independence Day in Syria. From 1948-70, Syria was struggling under constant political instability. Hussni-al-Zaim led a military coup overthrowing the democratic national government of president Shukrail-Quwathi.Zaim was the president of the coup and slowly evolved to the absolute ruler of Syria.He lost support because of his secret deals with the U.S. oil companies on building the Trans-Arabian Pipeline giving up Syria's main oil revenue. His reign lasted 5 years. From 1946-70, Syria had 14 presidents. In the 1950s, Syria's world relations deteriorated as its relation with the Soviet Union improved during the Cold War. In 1957, Turkey threatened to invade as Syria was planning to join in union with Egypt. In 1958, Syria and Egypt united becoming the United Arab Republic but later broke in 1961 as Egypt's President Nasser dissolved all Syrian political parties. On March 8, 1963, the Baath Arab Socialist Party succeeded in the March Revolution. In 1967, Israeli forces take Golan Heights, a rocky plateau in Syria, and destroy Syria's military. In 1971, Hafez-al- Assad overthrows president Nur al-Din al-Atasi and becomes president for a 7 year term. In 1973, Syria and Egypt go to war against Israel wanting back the Golan Heights. In 1975, Syria and Israel sign a disengagement agreement and make peace. In 1980, Muslim groups riot in Homs, Aleppo, and Hama and try to assassinate Assad. In 1981, Israel annexes Golan Heights to Syria.In 1983, Assad suffers from a heart attack and his brother Rifaat is moved to post of Vice- President in 1984. In 1990, Syria joins troops with the U.S against Iraq, improving relations. In 1991, Syria takes part in the Middle East peace conference and holds talks with Israel. In 1994, Assad's son Basil,the likely successor, is killed in a car accident. In June 2000, Assad dies and his son Bashar becomes president and is still ruling up to this day.
The area of the Golan Heights which is causing constant conflict between Syria and Israel
20 century issues and picture with caption~Krithi
21st Century issues( pre-9/11 and post 9/11)
Hafez al-Assad died in 2000, allowing his son, Bashar al-Assad, to assume the position. During this time Syria saw the birth of the "Damascus Spring", a period of time characterized by numerous emerging political forums and salons. in 2004, the Al-Qameshii riots occur, mostly consisting of Kurds, to protest violence in north-east Syria that had killed 19. In 2008, Syria again attempts to resolve the issue of the Golan Heights with Israel, with turkey acting as intermediary.
Starting in 2011, there have been many protests by the Syrian people that quickly progressed into full fledged-revolts demanding that Bashar be forced to step down and the government overthrown. These still go on today. The government responded quickly, cutting off electricity and water to revolting areas, confiscating food, executing soldiers who refused to shoot their own countrymen, etc. The Syrian government had many chances to peacefully end the revolts but summarily chose not to take them. The violence nature of the government's response has sparked disapproval from several multi-national organizations. As of right now, the government is shelling the "rebel capitol" of Homs.
This article describes the Syrian government's role in the revolts, and how it's impacting the rest of the world. As the unpopular president’s remaining loyalists continue their violent defense, giving negative impressions on the nation's leader himself, global leaders count down the time until President Bashar al-Assad's reign ends.
This article describes the explosive and angry reaction the Western countries and those opposed to Bashar al-Assad in the United Nations had to Russia and China's veto on the resolution that had been created for Syria, so that the country in question could be looked at further and prevent any irreversable decisions that would hurt in the long term.
News Articles~Aynslie
Primary Sources
This is the speech delivered by Bashar-al-Assad on his inauguration as President of Syria in 2000.
This is the transcript of the interview between Barbara Walters from ABC and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. It is his first American interview and it discusses Syria's role in the Arab League, the recent condition of the protesters in Syria, and America's role in international politics.
ABC's Barbara Walters: Mr. President, you have invited us to Damascus and you have not given an interview to the American media since this crisis began. What is it you want us to know? Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: I would like to reiterate what I used to say after 11th of September, to every American delegation I met, first of all I think the American people, people should know more about what's happening beyond the ocean, second the American media I would like them to tell only the truth about what's happening in the world, and for the American administration. Don't look for puppets in the world. Walters: Don't look for puppets? Assad: Only deal with administration that, on people that can tell you know about the truth, because what's happening in the world now is taking the world toward chaos, what we need now is we need to deal with the reality. So the message now is about the reality. Walters: Tell me what the reality here is your country is. What is the reality? Assad: It's too complicated, it takes hours to talk about... so let's be specific. Walters: Not long ago you were widely seen as a fresh pragmatic leader, a doctor whose life was in healing people, now sir, much of the world regards you as a dictator and a tyrant. What do you say to that? Assad: What's important how the Syrian people look at you, not how you look at yourself. So I don't have to look at myself. This is... second, it's about the system. You have a dictator and you have dictatorship, there's a big difference between the two, dictatorship is about the system, we never said we are democratic country, but we're not the same, we-- we are moving forward in, in reforms, especially during the last nine month, so I think we are moving forward, it takes a long time, it takes a lot of maturity to be full fledge democratic country, but we are moving that, that direction, for me as a person, whatever I do should be based on the will of the people, because you need popular legitimacy and this is against dictatorship for person. Walters: But you talk about the support of your people. You did have the support of your people, and then began these demonstrations, which I will discuss in more detail and crackdowns, and you have people now who don't want you to lead. You don't have the support of your people. (CONTINUED INTERVIEW IN THE FOLLOWING LINK)
SYRIA
Group Members: Ricky Birnbaum, Aynslie D'Avanzo, Krithi Nathan, Kevin ZhangOnce the centre of the Islamic Empire, the region now known as The Syrian Arab Republic, has seen the endurance of many cultures and ethnicities. Kurds, Assyrians, Armenians, Christians, Pruze, Alawite, Shias, and Arab Sunnis are a few who have influenced the modern culture and society of Syria.
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Syria became a French colony until 1946, when a bloodless military coup brought the Baath Party political power. It is still in power today. Until 2005, with the United Nation’s urging after the assassination of Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, Syria had political and military power in Lebanon. Tension with Turkey arose due to accusations of Syria hosting terrorist groups, and military action from the former was threatened. The Baath Party’s anti-Israeli policy has caused difficulties in modern relations, but the two countries are currently working on peace, with Turkey mediating. Joining forces such as defense ties have kept Iran-Syria relations positive. The country also agreed to return diplomatic relations with Iraq.
The United States has restricted trade with Syria, considering it a pro-terrorist country. Furthering the poor relations were Syria’s interference in Lebanon and possibly supplying Iraq with weapons during the war. Syria did, however, vote for the war in the United Nations meetings, despite criticizing US war plans and the economic benefit it gains from Iraq. Syria also claims the US to be “one-sided in favor of Israel”.
Summary~Aynslie
National Flag of The Syrian Arab Republic
Flag, national anthem, and 4 maps~Krithi
Timeline
Timeline~Ricky
Videos of the protests going on in Syria
Joe Biden, the United States Vice President, visits Turkey while many Syrians are protesting against President Assad of Syria in a civil war. Turkey
is a United States ally, and is in the Middle East. Some army vehicles were even destroyed in the violence from the civil war. The death toll had already reached 1,000 when this video was taken, and in 2011 it had reached 5,000 lives.
1st video and summary ~Ricky
2nd video~Krithi
Political Cartoons
2 Cartoons and captions~Krithi
Major Political Figures:
- Bashar al-Assad
President Bashar al-Assad is the current leader of Syria, although unpopular. Revolts against his rule, lead by groups such as the Free Syrian Army, have caused at least 6,000 deaths in the past 11 months. Bashar al-Assad was not the original successor to his father, Hafez al-Assad, but his brother Basil, who died in an accident in 1994, was. He is said to be much less autocratic than his father and brother- Farouk al-Sharaa
Sharaa served as the minister of foreign affairs from 1984 until 2006, when he assumed the Vice Presidency. He is regarded as one of the "old guards" of the Assad regime, actively attempting to reconcile with Israel. Despite no longer being the foreign minister he still regularly engages in high-profile international travel.20th Century Issues in Syria (pre 1945 and post-1945)
Syria fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1516 when the British in Egypt promised the Arabs independence if they aided them in World War I. The Arabs revolted in 1916 with the help of the British and entered Damascus, the capital of Syria. On May 6, 1916, many Syrian nationals were hanged in Damascus and Beirut by the Ottomans. These men are remembered to this day by National holidays known as Martyrs' Day. In 1918, Syria becomes an independent kingdom under King Faisal I, son of Sharif Hussein (famous for the Hussein-McMahon Letters) of Mecca.
Under the Sykes-Picot Agreement(1916) which was signed between France and Britain, the Middle East after the decline of the Ottoman Empire would be divided into "Spheres of Influence." Syria's independence was short-lived as in 1920, French troops invaded and fought the newly-formed vulnerable Syrian army and disposed of King Faisal I. In 1923, the League of Nations formed after World War I recognized Syria as a French Mandate without consultation from the Syrians. In return, Syrians fought many bloody battles with the French, often resulting in French air-raids over Jabab-el-Arab and Damascus. In 1936, the French-Syrian Treaty was signed which gave Syria partial independence and withdrawal of French troops which was a promise the French didn't follow.
During World War II, Syria became a major battle arena between the French troops loyal to the Vichy government(French gov't from 1940-44) allied to Nazi Germany and the French free troops allied with Britain.Syria sided with the Free French as independence was promised to them. French disobeyed their promise and dominated Syrian national politics. This resulted in violent Syrian protests and on May 29, 1945, French troops attack Syrian parliament in Damascus and United Nations demand French withdrawal. On April 17, 1946, the last French soldier leaves Syria and that day is celebrated as Independence Day in Syria.
From 1948-70, Syria was struggling under constant political instability. Hussni-al-Zaim led a military coup overthrowing the democratic national government of president Shukrail-Quwathi.Zaim was the president of the coup and slowly evolved to the absolute ruler of Syria.He lost support because of his secret deals with the U.S. oil companies on building the Trans-Arabian Pipeline giving up Syria's main oil revenue. His reign lasted 5 years. From 1946-70, Syria had 14 presidents.
In the 1950s, Syria's world relations deteriorated as its relation with the Soviet Union improved during the Cold War. In 1957, Turkey threatened to invade as Syria was planning to join in union with Egypt. In 1958, Syria and Egypt united becoming the United Arab Republic but later broke in 1961 as Egypt's President Nasser dissolved all Syrian political parties.
On March 8, 1963, the Baath Arab Socialist Party succeeded in the March Revolution. In 1967, Israeli forces take Golan Heights, a rocky plateau in Syria, and destroy Syria's military. In 1971, Hafez-al- Assad overthrows president Nur al-Din al-Atasi and becomes president for a 7 year term. In 1973, Syria and Egypt go to war against Israel wanting back the Golan Heights. In 1975, Syria and Israel sign a disengagement agreement and make peace.
In 1980, Muslim groups riot in Homs, Aleppo, and Hama and try to assassinate Assad. In 1981, Israel annexes Golan Heights to Syria.In 1983, Assad suffers from a heart attack and his brother Rifaat is moved to post of Vice- President in 1984. In 1990, Syria joins troops with the U.S against Iraq, improving relations. In 1991, Syria takes part in the Middle East peace conference and holds talks with Israel. In 1994, Assad's son Basil,the likely successor, is killed in a car accident. In June 2000, Assad dies and his son Bashar becomes president and is still ruling up to this day.
20 century issues and picture with caption~Krithi
21st Century issues( pre-9/11 and post 9/11)
Hafez al-Assad died in 2000, allowing his son, Bashar al-Assad, to assume the position. During this time Syria saw the birth of the "Damascus Spring", a period of time characterized by numerous emerging political forums and salons. in 2004, the Al-Qameshii riots occur, mostly consisting of Kurds, to protest violence in north-east Syria that had killed 19. In 2008, Syria again attempts to resolve the issue of the Golan Heights with Israel, with turkey acting as intermediary.
Starting in 2011, there have been many protests by the Syrian people that quickly progressed into full fledged-revolts demanding that Bashar be forced to step down and the government overthrown. These still go on today. The government responded quickly, cutting off electricity and water to revolting areas, confiscating food, executing soldiers who refused to shoot their own countrymen, etc. The Syrian government had many chances to peacefully end the revolts but summarily chose not to take them. The violence nature of the government's response has sparked disapproval from several multi-national organizations. As of right now, the government is shelling the "rebel capitol" of Homs.
21 century issues~Kevin
News Articles
This article describes the Syrian government's role in the revolts, and how it's impacting the rest of the world. As the unpopular president’s remaining loyalists continue their violent defense, giving negative impressions on the nation's leader himself, global leaders count down the time until President Bashar al-Assad's reign ends.http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-06/syrian-forces-shell-cities-to-crush-revolt-after-russian-un-veto.html
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16896783
This article describes the explosive and angry reaction the Western countries and those opposed to Bashar al-Assad in the United Nations had to Russia and China's veto on the resolution that had been created for Syria, so that the country in question could be looked at further and prevent any irreversable decisions that would hurt in the long term.News Articles~Aynslie
Primary Sources
- This is the speech delivered by Bashar-al-Assad on his inauguration as President of Syria in 2000.
http://www.al-bab.com/arab/countries/syria/bashar00a.htm- This 2nd source is the executive order created by Obama in 2011 regarding the Syrian government
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/18/executive-order-blocking-property-senior-officials-government-syriaPrimary sources and summary~Krithi
Interview
This is the transcript of the interview between Barbara Walters from ABC and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. It is his first American interview and it
discusses Syria's role in the Arab League, the recent condition of the protesters in Syria, and America's role in international politics.
ABC's Barbara Walters:
Mr. President, you have invited us to Damascus and you have not given an interview to the American media since this crisis began. What is it you want us to know?
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad:
I would like to reiterate what I used to say after 11th of September, to every American delegation I met, first of all I think the American people, people should know more about what's happening beyond the ocean, second the American media I would like them to tell only the truth about what's happening in the world, and for the American administration. Don't look for puppets in the world.
Walters:
Don't look for puppets?
Assad:
Only deal with administration that, on people that can tell you know about the truth, because what's happening in the world now is taking the world toward chaos, what we need now is we need to deal with the reality. So the message now is about the reality.
Walters:
Tell me what the reality here is your country is. What is the reality?
Assad:
It's too complicated, it takes hours to talk about... so let's be specific.
Walters:
Not long ago you were widely seen as a fresh pragmatic leader, a doctor whose life was in healing people, now sir, much of the world regards you as a dictator and a tyrant. What do you say to that?
Assad:
What's important how the Syrian people look at you, not how you look at yourself. So I don't have to look at myself. This is... second, it's about the system. You have a dictator and you have dictatorship, there's a big difference between the two, dictatorship is about the system, we never said we are democratic country, but we're not the same, we-- we are moving forward in, in reforms, especially during the last nine month, so I think we are moving forward, it takes a long time, it takes a lot of maturity to be full fledge democratic country, but we are moving that, that direction, for me as a person, whatever I do should be based on the will of the people, because you need popular legitimacy and this is against dictatorship for person.
Walters:
But you talk about the support of your people. You did have the support of your people, and then began these demonstrations, which I will discuss in more detail and crackdowns, and you have people now who don't want you to lead. You don't have the support of your people.
(CONTINUED INTERVIEW IN THE FOLLOWING LINK)
interview+link+summary~Krithi
Protests
Photos and captions~Krithi